The fire meant the disappearance of the small paper-wrapped pies that were sold throughout the city, often in checkout aisles at grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee shops and other retailers.

The permit was granted for a site currently owned by The NOCCA Institute.

“This is an important step towards bringing back Hubig’s, a great institution that holds a special place for so many New Orleaneans," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said Thursday. "Since last year's fire, my Office of Economic Development and the New Orleans Business Alliance, along with the state and other partners, have worked closely with the owners to assess options to restart Hubig’s operations.”

Although the vote was unanimous, there was some opposition from neighbors who said they love Hubig's pies but worry about potential traffic and drainage problems at the planned bakery.